ITB 2016: Matthias Fekl wants to appease the Germans

demand for France declining by 10 to 20%

Matthias Fekl, State Secretary in charge of tourism promotion, went to the ITB trade-fair of Berlin to appease German professionals. Because since the attacks, the demand for France has declined by 10 to 20%.

Matthias Fekl, with a delegation of French professionals, led by Jean-François Martins, Deputy Mayor in charge of tourism in Paris, along with Jean-Paul Huchon, former President of the Ile-de-France Regional Council - Photo LAC

The Germans are worried.

Usually known as the most “courageous” travelers, often the first ones to come back to a destination after a dramatic event, today, they are fewer in crossing the border to visit France.

According to the estimates of professionals, the number would have dropped by 10 to 20% since the attacks.

To try to reassure them, Matthias Fekl, State Secretary in charge of tourism promotion, personally went to the ITB of Berlin on Wednesday, February 9th.

He met with journalists, bloggers, and other trendsetters before having lunch with a delegation of tour-operators. A move to explain in detail all of the measures put in place to guarantee the safety of travelers following the November 2015 attacks.

“I came to tell Germans that they are welcomed here. They must know that life goes on and that we are still as hospitable.”

The French-German politician did not come alone. He was joined by a delegation of French professionals, led by Jean-François Martins, Deputy-Mayor in charge of tourism in Paris, along with Jean-Paul Huchon, former president of the Ile-de-France Regional Council.

All brought messages aimed at appeasing the 13 million Germans who travel to France every year.

But the situation is not as critical for Christian Kergal, Director of Atout France in Germany.

“Sure, coach operators have lost 50% of their clientele. However, airline and train companies are faring well,” he observes.

Especially because this may be temporary, the Germans have a wait-and-see attitude and have not yet reserved their summer vacations.

“I think that there will be many last minute sales that could be beneficial to us,” concludes Christian Kergal.